Like a Dragon: Ishinis a curious entry in theYakuza/Like a Dragonseries. A remake of an eastern-exclusive title, it uses tweaked version of the old beat ‘em up gameplay, repurposing it into a hack-and-slash. It then puts these elements into Bakumatsu-era Japan. One would think this disconnects it from the rest of the series, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Ishinis still an unmistakableYakuzatitle. It may not be part of mainline series, but it features several references to the long-running franchise. These lie hidden in the characters, scenarios, and items. Devoted fans will have a blast with not only the trademark silliness, but also finding all the wayward Easter Eggs.
6Familiar Faces
Though it revolves around real historical figures in Edo-era Japan,Ishinportrays them with the likenesses of modernYakuzacharacters. Sakamoto Ryoma is Kazuma Kiryu; Okita Soji is Goro Majima; Nagakura Shinpachi is Taiga Saejima. The list goes on. The original already had plenty to work with in this regard.
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That said,the series has seen several entries sinceIshin’s release. The remake uses characters from those games as new likenesses here. A couple of notable examples are Kuze fromYakuza 0and Zhao from the recentYakuza: Like a Dragon(orYakuza 7). Essentially, it presents a more current rendition of the same idea. No sign of Ichiban Kasuga, though, which is a shame.
5Trooper Cards
Unique toIshin’s gameplay are Trooper Cards. This system has players equip trading cards to grant Ryoma new abilities.The images are of real people,and their occupations inform the cards’ power. Some are from the entertainment industry, such as Alex Moukala. As a composer, he can activate Essence of Crescendo. These aren’t the only individuals represented, though.
The cards also feature several content creators.Twitchstreamer Cohh Carnage shoots projectiles with Essence of Warfare; cosplayer Vampy Bitme charms enemies with Essence of Embrace; VTuber Nyatasha Nyanners saps health with Essence of Conquering. It’s a mystery why such a random assortment of people are in the game, but they sure are useful.
4Final Fantasy: Ishin?
With the Trooper Cards is yet another Easter Egg. One card features Kenny Omega. As an All Elite Wrestling star, he would naturallybreak out a wrestling move, right? Well, it turns out he’s a huge gaming fan, especially Japanese gaming. Even his ring name is a nod to the Omega Weapon fromFinal Fantasy 7. That same love informs his attack here.
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Kenny’s card activates Essence of One Winged Angel. This referencesFF7’s villain,Sephiroth. By extension, it hearkens back to his brilliant boss theme, which has gone down as one of the most memorable musical pieces in gaming history. Speaking of music…
3Familiar Boss Music
TheYakuzagames have never been lacking in the music department. To maintain immersion, most music here isstraight out of a samurai flick. Moody woodwinds and echoing percussions permeate the soundtrack. However,Ishinoccasionally goes back to rock tunes for its high-octane battles.
Such is the case with certain boss fights. When Ryoma clashes with Ito Kashitaro, Takeda Kanryusai, and Thomas Glover, the music is the same as when Kiryu fights their modern counterparts inYakuza 0and3. These moments contrast with the rest of the score, but they’re effective callbacks nonetheless.
2The Dragon Returns
As a DLC incentive, the developers offer a new outfit for Ryoma called “Dragon of Dojima.” He dons a white suit and short, spiky hair. It’s radically out of place, but it should be familiar to anyone who’s even glanced at theYakuzaseries.
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This is the go-to look for Kiryu, Ryoma’s modern counterpart and the series' primary protagonist. He got the name for a few reasons. One is the dragon tattoo on his back. He’s earned this terrifying symbol throughwinning countless impossible battlesand performing numerous great deeds within the yakuza. His place there is the second reason: he’s a longstanding member of the Dojima family. His exploits have been instrumental in keeping it (and the entire Tojo Clan) afloat and guiding it in the right direction. Such momentous accomplishments are legendary in theYakuzaworld, so everyone knows him as the “Dragon of Dojima.” As a result, fans have likely heard that title a thousand times.
1Passionate Manly Bathhouse Battle
While entertaining in itself, this scene is an Easter Egg when viewed within the series' larger context. At some point, Ryoma goes to a bathhouse, where he gets into a fight with Saigo Kichinosuke (Ryuji Goda fromYakuza 2). Both guys are completely naked, but a cloud of steam conveniently covers their family jewels. Censorship aside, the sequence has become notorious among longtime fans for its silly visuals and homoerotic overtones.
That reputation fueled its reference inYakuza Kiwami, the first game’s remake.In a video store, Kiryu can request a movie calledPassionate Manly Bathhouse Battle. Sure enough, Majima shows up and sees him ordering it. The one-eyed weirdo is shocked that his buddy is into that stuff, but Kiryu insists it’s not what it looks like. As amusing as it would be to see him watch the film, it would probably leave him emotionally scarred. After all, he’s the star.
